Muscat: Seasonal influenza that started in September and can continue till mid-May in the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.

“The influenza season differs from one country to another and from one season to another in the same country. The Sultanate of Oman being one of the semi-tropical countries, seasonal influenza viruses continue to appear throughout the year. The infection begins as early as September and can continue until mid-May,” Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement.

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus that spreads easily from one person to another through droplets when coughing or sneezing, or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the influenza virus.

A person with influenza usually feels some or all of the following symptoms two days after exposure to the infection:

1- Sudden rise in body temperature.

2-Coughing (usually dry).

3-Sore throat

4- Runny or stuffy nose.

5- Pain in the body and muscles

6-Headache, feeling tired and unwell

7-Feeling of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea with some people, especially in children